Rippling Tides ~ New Moon

~ Chapter 4 ~

~Nine years later~

~Once an unnamed, forgettable outskirt, Now, a fruitful Oasis Village ~

A man, shivering in the shadows. The late evening breeze cuts about. Oblivious to the unseen danger drawing in upon him, the man inches forward from his position. Doing all he can to remain just out of sight.

' Only a few steps further...' I can almost hear- It's her again, finally. I can hear her warmth again!'

His fixation? The beguiling figure upon the orchard lakeshore. Her arms raised to the rising moon and garbed in a vibrant silken white gown.

On this particular evening the striking yellow blossoms of her Osmanthus branch are especially visible.

"Olive tea blooms again? That's the third time this week. The variety in color is nice enough, but those black roses from four days ago day suited her more.' the man judged silently.

Before his position is no mere songstress, but Oasis Village's "Wellspring Maiden." Sakuya; the veritable "demi-goddess". A girl of indisputably coveted lineage who calls this charming location her home.

Though every corner of their entire village has absolutely felt the whisper-soft caress of her gentle embrace, it is without question this lake itself that has proven to be the greatest of testaments to Sakuya's tangible power.

Once a glorified desert puddle masquerading as a pond, in the decade since "The maiden's arrival" (alongside her two protective brothers), Sakuya's "celestial-blessed" voice has gradually expanded these waters into the wide-encompassed, breathtaking vision before him.
~

The final rays of the setting sun highlight the lush green blossoming anew.

Not replacing what beauty remains from her previous nights' songs, but rather strengthening it and solidifying their foundational roots. A promise of continued life.

Under the Wellspring Maiden's colorful, awe-inspiring voice, the once mostly barren, sandy soil is now rendered fertile, and ready to support life.

Nearly sixteen, the gradually expanding power of Sakuya's famous voice has additionally brought upon a degree of wonderment and prestige their once outskirt town never dreamed possible.

Today, no longer humble "boonies" barely getting by, but the beating heart of Wind.

No rumor, or hearsay just this very month an official report released by the Daimyo's people was released.

The contents grudgingly conceded that Oasis's trade and quality of life have in fact surpassed their very capital.

Even more so since the "Ichibi" (One tail) monstrosity recently vanished. A strange phenomenon that left great confusion, but also an undeniable relief in the people of Wind.

Everday innocents, grateful to no longer suffer the tankuki's endless craving for blood.

Like a hawk circling his prey the intrusive man observes, his (mostly) silent awe is euphoric.

On this full moon night, his aching hunger seems greater than ever. To his ears delight, the divine-blessed beauty's worldless aria transitioned to a full, haunting soprano.

' Is there a word for this feeling? Like her majestic song has seized not just my heart, but my very breath and soul...'

With her transcendent, other-worldly power vibrating about, emanating the very air and elements about him, the sensations tingle. And the man's obsession blooms further.

Both figures are completely unaware that a fatal breaking point rests firmly in sight.

To any observer, (innocent or otherwise) the wellspring maiden's orchestrated pitter-patter of descending rain droplets are of no distraction. Sakuya's song is unimpeded.

"Exactly as yesterday and every day before." the man whispered. His breathing was deep and unsteady. To anyone nearby its surely an unsettling sight.

This is not the first night, and if he has his way it won't be the last.

'We all know she's going to be of marital age soon. A few years off, but once the floodgate begins...

' As if I'd have any chance, those brothers of hers... They'd never let me be alone with her.'

Slowly creeping along the sides of the stone, the closer he reaches the more certain he becomes.

'I'm not playing fair, but I swear we'll be so happy-' His dark thoughts cut short, the man's world drowns in blackness.
~

Reiji, formerly Black Zetsu is frowning deeply.

"Disgusting." Sakuya's brother whispered harshly. It's all he can do not to spit.

"Good, thank Yuukina for keeping her company. I know Brother, I'll be thanking our "guest" myself- Please don't word it like that- Look she was YOUR teacher, it's not my fault-

"This again? Shiro, my Ice element isn't like yours. Just because I "CAN" doesn't- No."

All these years and yet this old debate between brothers has never quite managed to die.

"Look it's surely a matter of practicality. Mother may not have said it directly, but I think her intention is clear.

' Well what do you know, maybe our "dead horse" of a topic has SOME life left in it after all... '

"She must have wanted it to be your "ace in the sleeve". Just as Sakuya's Wood element surpasses ours, and I'm the only one of us three with a true Lightning affinity. It has to be delibera-"

"You know what? I'm not having this conversation. We can discuss how this ties into the Yin and Yang chakras on your time later.

"Yeah, I get it, relax, I'm not actually mad... Oh I definitely hate being the "reasonable" one here." Reiji chuckled in amusement.

"Agreed Brother, for sure emotions, they have their positives, but goodness can they be awful.

"It's all just so unseemly. ugh, the things I do for these people, really.

"Face it Shiro, as "the middle child", I should be out screwing around, being the cause of shame and disgrace to our adopted father's memory...

" Instead here I am playing the "heroic prince", living up to Lord Raizen's reputation."

"Wait, Lady Mara called me "respectable"? That stone cold attendant?

"Well, how about that? Here I thought the only one of us she likes is Sakuya.

"Yeah I agree, poor Lord Raizen, he must be turning over in his grave.

"Ashes, whatever- I'm the only one of us allowed to be an annoying pedantic. That's MY thing Shiro!

"Yes I know being liked is beneficial, and truthfully I enjoy it too...

"The open admiration is a bit much for my taste, well Yeesh Shiro, just let me vent. - I'm good now."

Restraining a rude hand gesture, Reiji continues their distant mental dialogue.

' Not that Shiro would have seen it...' Reiji pushed that petty imagery aside.

"Yes, yes, everything is clear on my end too Brother. Eita is keeping watch for me.

"Now please let Yuuki know our late dinner together is still on. I'll wrap this up and be home at the manor soon."

Verifying through their two-way mental link that his brother Shiro has escorted their (perhaps overly) gentle-hearted sister home, Reiji turns his attention back to the deceased miscreant.

Reiji first noticed him about a month ago but gave the fool plenty of chances to "get a life".

"You aren't the first especially weak-willed fool to succumb to obsession, our Songbird Sakuya's voice is incomparable...

"That she would affect people differently is as Shiro and myself expected. Besides, with a bit of time, most listeners can "grow past" it.

"Her voice will always be incredible and no ordinary human can hope to match my Sister, yet it doesn't make anyone into a slave.

"Most listeners tend to develop a sort of "tolerance" and move on to greener "emotional" pastures.

"I hoped you would be the same, alas this courtesy of mine was thoroughly wasted."

"Ah well. Kamui."

Sinking deeper into the moist dirt beneath his boots, Reiji's mood is foul. His renewed grip on the would-be attacker's corpse loosens, and the literal dead weight is again released without ceremony.

'Unforgivable. It truly pains me Fool, but you got off too easy.

"A crushed neck is nothing, not for a cretin like yourself. Have you ANY decency at all?'

' Fortunately for you, it's best for Shiro and me that our poor Sakuya be unaware."

"She would mistakenly blame herself, overanalyze her actions, and an unacceptable darkness would be born that could surely stain her heart."

"We need her to continue loving this place. Her idealized bubble.

"A sanctuary to cherish and build a beautiful life. A world free of struggles and true hardship. The people living here are fortunate to share in that near utopian bliss.

" It wouldn't do for our darling Songbird to pine for its eradication.'

Crouching himself down at the body's side, Reiji smiles sweetly.

Never a smirk, Reiji likes to consider himself far too "kind" to ever let out such an unsightly expression.

'Sakuya certainly thinks so.'

Placing his pale glowing, white jade hands down on the body, a sinister, blood-red Chakra seeps-forth.

The Biju Chakra which Reiji and his siblings have been gradually siphoning.

' It takes no effort, the scientist ensured the process occurs with or without our intervention.' Reiji remembered with glee.

"Our 'tweaked' cells do all the work for us, and without risk to our bodies. Like a lightning rod." He chuckled at his own "not quite right" comparison.

As Reiji directs the incremental trickle of corrosive energy to devour the man's remains, he maintains the gentle protective face his sister has come to see as the "real Reiji".

That outside his grim but regal "public mask", Sakuya really and truly believes that Reiji (And Shiro) are the most gentle, loving brothers imaginable.

That both men are fundamentally kind souls who never harm others. At least not without the strongest of justifications.

"An image we've worked painstakingly long and hard at cultivating, it's almost become true."

"My original self- Black Zetsu, he would NEVER have permitted you so many chances to grow. To change for the better."

Reiji almost laughed. His introspection amused him.

This rare moment of appreciation for how far he's come, complete, The younger brother ponders the biju.

The One-tail, whose power, (unbeknownst to all) power is now and forever irreversiblely divided between himself and his siblings.

Or more accurately, their very hereditary lines.

"Oh bloodthirsty Shukaku... Feast to your heart's content." His tone was so kind and sincere that Reiji's words were only barely mocking.

"I know you are no longer capable of conscious thoughts or feelings, that your power as the "Ichibi" belongs to me and my adorable siblings...

"Regardless, I'm sure any faint lingering remnants of your persona will surely appreciate my comforting sentiment...

There is no need to fear loneliness, Sweet, sweet Tanuki. Be at peace. For your dear sister, Matabi is already on her last legs.

"Do rest assured, our confused, two-tail kitten will be joining you very soon. The other seven too.

" In time Shukaku, all nine will be gathered, and you can be reformed back into one. Back into your true self, the Ten-Tails, our mother's treasured Jubi.

"Ah, Doesn't that sound just wonderful? Our dear Shukaku...

~

Under the serene moonlight, Reiji walks home. His pace was effortlessly casual.

To any observer passing by, his princely, alabaster face has never seemed more... achingly beautiful.